LAHORE: Under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to build a greener and smog-free Punjab, the provincial government has launched the revolutionary Green Railway Corridor project, inspired by modern urban development models.
The four-phase project aims to transform abandoned and garbage-strewn railway land into landscaped public spaces, with a target of developing 32 parks along railway corridors across the province.
Under the first phase, 20 acres of land stretching from Shahdara to Raiwind have been converted into green belts, gardens and recreational areas. In addition, 21 parks have already been developed along the railway track, providing quality recreational facilities for residents while contributing to environmental improvement.
The initiative reflects Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of developing parks alongside railway tracks in line with international standards. It forms part of the Punjab government’s broader strategy to create a greener, cleaner and more beautiful province while expanding recreational opportunities for children, women and families.
The 45-kilometre Green Railway Corridor project carries an estimated cost of over Rs1.77 billion. Divided into four packages, it is being implemented jointly by the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) and Pakistan Railways.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to remove all obstacles delaying the remaining phases of the project at the earliest and ordered that the pace of implementation be accelerated.
Residents welcomed the Green Railway Corridor initiative and expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister’s efforts. They described the conversion of garbage dumps into attractive public parks as a commendable achievement, saying the project has provided children with safe places to play while significantly improving the surrounding environment.
An elderly resident remarked that it was hard to believe such a transformation could take place in Pakistan, describing the project as an inspiring example of positive urban development.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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